OVER HALF of men living in the UK feel more comfortable discussing mental health issues when getting a haircut than at the doctor's surgery, a new study has shown.

53 per cent of British men are more likely to confide in their barbers

Researchers say the findings indicate the trusted relationship between doctors and their male patients is significantly less valuable than it was in the past.

The study, which was conducted by men's health charity The Lions Barber Collective and male grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge, asked just under 2,000 men living in Britain about their feelings toward discussing their health.

Over half (53 per cent) of respondents admitted they are more likely to discuss private health issues, such as depression and mental illness, with their barbers.

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The vast majority (78 per cent) make a conscious effort to regularly visit the same barber, compared with just 54 per cent of men who exercise the same level of consistency with their doctor.

Thousands of men are likely hiding from issues they should be comfortably discussing with their doctors

Tom Chapman, The Lions Barber Collective

Almost two thirds (59 per cent) of Britons rated their patient doctor relationship as poor or average at best.

Founder of The Lions Barber Collective charity, Tom Chapman, believes these results highlight the need for organisations like his.

The charity works to educate barbers on how to spot the symptoms of mental health and depression, while encouraging men to talk to their barbers (and each other) and their issues.

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Men are also more likely to keep visiting the same barber rather than the same doctor

He said: "When statistics such as these rear their heads, it becomes very apparent that the 'family doctor' relationship of the past is slowly dying.

"Because of this, thousands of men are likely hiding from issues they should be comfortably discussing with their doctors, such as depression, anxiety and even PTS.

"Our work educates barbers and their clients in how to spot the symptoms associated with depression. Then, through building a genuine relationship with the client in the chair, barbers are able to offer support at different levels.

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The study reveals worrying issues surrounding male depression

Sometimes a man just needs someone he can confide in - he doesn't want to be told what he should do, or how to 'fix' his problem, he just wants someone to listen."

In the UK, suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45.

The Lions Barber Collective has teamed up with The Bluebeards Revenge to encourage men to 'man up and talk'.

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Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 int he UK

Managing Director of The Bluebeards Revenge and ex-Royal Marine Commando, David Hildrew, said: "It's very encouraging to see that barbers all over Britain are presenting a suitable pillar for men to lean on.

"As an ex-serviceman, I take male depression very seriously. It's an illness that many military men suffer with in silence.

"We hope to help educate barbers around the world and encourage men to man up and talk about their problems." --